Yes! Because if you hit any other large animal you should report it.
Added: Unless it is running wild (fairly unlikely), domestic animals are generally always the property of someone, and usually a loved family pet. Apart from the law, simple humanity would dictate that the striking driver would want to see to its aid.
yes, because it like hitting a human but instead in this situation you're hitting a dog!
self control
Yes.
the dog is scared that you might be hitting her
It's theoretically possible. The maximum speed for a dog or cat is around 30 mph.
It matters how hard you hit him, how old, and how big the dog is.
If you hit an unleashed dog that runs infront of your car while driving the speed limit, what is your legal responsibility?
No because that is animal abuse.
On a public course you can, but when walking with the dog be cautious when someone is hitting near you.
If by "hazard" one means danger or accidents, then the simplest answer as to what causes hazard is lack of foreknowledge. This lack of foresight may come from ignorance (e.g. trying to pet a dog that you don't know has rabies) or from inattention (e.g. driving while sleepy) or from distraction (e.g. driving while texting) or from any number of causes. Some hazards cannot be avoided in the sense that not all variables can be predicted and accounted for, e.g. swerving your car to avoid hitting a small child that runs out into the street.
Report it
Yes, in fact if u let your dog defecate in other peoples yards while there out there they can't do anything. and if they try to make you, you have the right to defend yourself by saying no, or just simply hitting them in the jugular.